Introduction
In 2007, Barry Manilow recorded a stirring cover of “It Never Rains in Southern California,” originally a 1972 soft‑rock hit written and performed by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood . Hammond’s version soared to No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became his signature track .
Manilow included his rendition on the album The Greatest Songs of the Seventies (released in September 2007) . This collection featured Manilow’s interpretations of classic ’70s hits, infused with his signature orchestral-pop warmth. His take on this song—written from the perspective of a dreamer struggling in Hollywood—adds a reflective depth and mature poignancy to its themes.
Although Manilow’s version did not chart as a single, it resonated with his long‑time fans and introduced the song to a new generation, while maintaining the original’s bittersweet irony—”It never rains in Southern California…but when it does, it pours.” Critics praised his smooth vocals and the lush, piano‑driven arrangement that emphasized the emotional undercurrent of the lyrics .
Through Manilow’s lens, the song transforms from a folk‑pop confession into a richly textured ballad, filled with orchestral swells that heighten its sense of heartbreak and disenchantment. His performance honors Hammond’s narrative of sunny promises colliding with harsh realities, while reflecting on the journey of chasing dreams and the vulnerability that can accompany success.
Ultimately, Manilow’s interpretation stands as a heartfelt homage that enhances a well-established classic—respecting its origins yet adding his own emotional signature. It serves both as a tribute to his peers and a reminder of the timeless truths at the heart of pop songwriting.